HIGHLAWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Cabell County Board of Education determined that the Highlawn community would keep its treasured elementary school, and provided a new site within the neighborhood.  The complex nature of utilizing an urban site for a new elementary school presented a network of logistical issues for the project team to navigate, including the demolition of an existing school structure, the closure of a city alley, rerouting of existing utility lines, and the renovation of the existing gymnasium structure. The design concept separated the bus loop, parent drop-off loop, and staff parking and service access, to avoid traffic congestion. The building footprint is a ‘U’ shape that allows for passive security by creating an interior courtyard that contains the playground area. The dining room features a sloping roof form articulated by wooden beams and decking. The Media Center also features a two-story space connecting the first floor library to the second floor STEAM lab.

Daine Gallery Addition

Built in the 1950’s, the original Museum’s size doubled when gallery and studio additions designed by Walter Gropius with The Architect’s Collaborative were added in 1968. In 2008, a private endowment provided funding specifically for an addition to display the Museum’s collection of works on paper and to provide an expansion of the vault.

Completed in 2011, the new gallery addition wraps around the base of a Gropius-designed clerestory light monitor form.  To take advantage of the view of the courtyard and Gropius Studios beyond, a skewed window breaks from the rigid form and focuses the view. Because of strict light exposure restrictions for works on paper, an anteroom is formed around the window to help block direct daylight into the gallery space.

“You were so easy to work with and totally responsive. I never felt I had to make a decision without having the benefit of your expertise when I needed it. None of that even touches on the splendid design…”
–Margaret Mary Layne, Director, Huntington Museum of Art